The Portland daily press., 1887-02-18
QUITE CURED.

remained unchanged.
Save $1,000 as proof of your attachment
to my niece, and will give my consent to
your marriage with her. Under no other
circumstances will do So" This was the
extent to which the Major would commit
himself
"Save thousand pounds indeed! Why,
million would be equally possible to a man of
refined tastes with but paltry TIVE hundred
a year or so besides his pay"
Maude waylaid her lover outside the libra
ry door. Very pretty she looked as she lis
tened to dear Jacks angry protestations,
her cheeks flushed, and her brown eyes fill
ing with tears.
You will be true to me, my darling?"
pleaded the impecunious Lieutenant, as his
tawny moustache pressed her rosy lips.
True to him? Indeed and indeed she
would be.
"You know, dearest, you will be q in
fortnightS time and your own mistress.
My sweet one will fly with her poor loving
Jack then; won't she?"
"Yes"-rather obviously. 1t was hard to
put aside the prospect of being followed to
the altar by bevy of daintily arrayed
bridesmaids, although she was so deeply in
love-
True, she would soon be of age, and conse-
quently her own mistress but what would
that fact avail her if she were miles away
from her lover? And such indeed seemed
likely to be the case, for her uncle carried
her off to small village in North Wales the
day after Lieut. Mapleson had been told of
his fate. OF course she left a note behind
for dearest jack" telling him the name of
the village to which they were going, and
earnestly begging him to do something"
although she could think Of nothing practi.
cal to suggest
On the morning of her twenty-first birth
day Maude came down to breakfast looking
fresh, and even little happy. She had
honestly tried to be miserable for a whole
fortnight, and had succeeded for two days.
With youth and health on ones side it is al
most impossible to be thoroughly out of
spirits for any length of time, however much
one may be experiencing the truth Of the
proverb about "tfue love-" etc.
The landlady's bright-looking daughter
brought in the coffee and rolls Mrs Evans
opposite has let her front rooms, Miss" she
volunteered. "A gentleman all by himself
came ana look them last Night
A gentleman and alone! Maude's spirits
rose. ibid you happen to hear Mrs. Evans
say what her new ledger is like? sup
pose," added naughty, deeeitful Maude, "he
is an elderly gentleman"
"Yes, Miss. quite. He's bit lame, walks
with stick, and has long, gray beard
His names Mr.. Browne
Maude's spirits fell again. AT breakfast,
however, she mentioned the new arrival to
her uncle.
Maj. Henderson was beginning to find
Narth Wales little dull, so he listened
rather readily, thinking that there might be
prospect of having some one with whom
to smoke friendly pipe.
In the course of the morning, when the
uncle and niece were sitting in one of the
many beautiful glens in which the neighbor-
hood abounds, Maude saw a bent figure APP
preaching. walking with stick.
Il think, uncle, that must be Mr. Browne,
Mrs. Evans new ledger, she said.l
Her uncle looked up from his book "Out
Of health, | should say" was his comment.
He doesn't look old enough TO be so in
firm"
When the stranger came up to them he
paused and inquired the way to Swallow
Falls.
Maude started. That voice Her uncle
his suspicious were not aroused
Excuse me" continued the stranger,
''but have not the pleasure Of addressing
one who is neighbor for the time being?
fancled ! saw you come cut of Honeysuckle
Cottage this morning with your daughter"
Eyes, sir, you are right-at least my niece
and are staying opposite to you"
Your nlece?" and the stranger politely
raised his hat as he glanced at Maude.
MAY inquire il you have been making
long stay in the neighbOrhood? 1t is the
first time have visited North Wales, and
should be glad to know of the principal spots
of interest in the immediate vicinity. Ny
health Is so shattered that cannot under
take long excursions"
This Is 1.-THE commencement of our third
week" replied the Major. Like yourself,
we have chosen rather to enjoy the scenery
within walking distances in preference to
travelling about by rail or coach My niece
has been little upset lately, so we came
here to recruit her health"
Maude flushed up Indignantly. To speak
of the cruel blow which had been dealt her
as If it were mere n0thingl.
The young lady is looking so fresh and
charming that think she must already be
on the high road to recovery" This with a
stiff old-tashioned bow to Maude. 81 was
about to say trusted / might derive as
much benefit from the change, only fear
that is too much to expect. Age cannot
hope 10 compete with youth"
with your permission, suggested Maj
you to the Falls. They are within quarter
of an hours walk from here, and can then
give you few hints about the neighborhood
as we go along"
Mr. Browne would only be too pleased.
Maude walked on by her uncie's side ex-
periencing mixture of joy and alarm. She
was SO delighted to hear that dear voice
again: so fearful lest her lovers stratagem
should be discovered
Mr.. Browne noticed her agitation, and was
careful to divert Maj. Hendersons attention
from his niece, in case her confusion should
betray the secret. The trio had to cross q
stream by means OF stepping stones. The
stranger offered to assist Maude. Managing
70 keep his back to Mai. Henderson, Mr..
Browne, alias Lieut.. Mapleson, tenderly
pressed Mande's yielding hand, and with
world of expression in his blue eyes whis-
pered: BE careful, my darling, and all will
be well with u.s."
The next morning Mr.. Brown. called on
Mai. Henderson. II have just received
these, and thought perhaps you would like
to look at Them" he said, producing some
periodicals.
Maj. Henderson was glad to avail himself
OF the offer, as current literature was rather
difficult TO procure in so out-of-the-way
place.
After a little further conversation, Mr..
Browne was asked if he would care to join
the uncle and niece in their morning ramble.
When the trio had gone some distance,
Maj. Henderson, wishing to enjoy quiet
down and rest a little, while Maude conduct
ed Mr.. Browne to spot close by whence
@ good view Of Snowdon could be obtained.
u would fain, like you, rest awhile" re-
piled Mr.. Browne; but as the day is so I'M
usually clear Jeel must make an effort to
take advantage of it, especially as this
young lady has so kindly consented to act as
my guide" And 50 Mr.. Browne hobbled off
with Maude walking patiently beside him.
As soon as the trees had hidden the lovers
from view Jack drew Mauae to him, while
she, half laughing and half crying, stroked
his long gray beard
"Oh. Jack, whatever made you come like
this? What do you intend to O?"
This, my DEAR" and the bold lover drew
from his pocket marriage license and a
wedding ring Half playfully the Lieuten-
ant removed Maude's glove and slipped on
the Tng. What dear little hand it 20 he
cried rapturously land how happy shall
be when can call its dear owner my sweet
little wife"
A slight sound fell on their ears, and look
ing up they beheld Maj. Henderson not
hundred yards away.
Mande would have been grateful to the
earth had it opened at that moment to re-
ceive her, but as it showed no signs of ac-
commOdating her she disengaged herself